IGP Orders Reorganization Of SARS Operatives
The Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, on Monday, ordered a total reorganisation of the much-criticised crime busting outfit, Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) across the country.
The moves by the IGP followed stringent campaign in the social media for the scrapping of the outfit by Nigerians who accused operatives of the squad of undue harassment, extortion and extra-judicial killings.
The IGP, in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Yusuf Jimoh, said that he has decided to reorganise the outfit for effective service delivery.
Under the new arrangement, SARS officers will now be controlled by officers between the rank of a superintendent of police to chief superintendent of police at state level.
He said, “A commissioner of police will have the overall supervision of the department from the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
“The squad has also been moved from Force Criminal Investigation Department to Department of Operations. All changes are effective immediately.”
The IGP said that all complaints against SARS officers will be investigated, saying all errant officers will face disciplinary action.
But Segun Awosanya, one of the lead campaigners against alleged infractions by SARS, while welcoming the move, noted that it however fell short of satisfying their demand.
“We thank the IGP for at least showing that he listens to the yearning of the masses.”
Awosanya told news men on telephone, “But he should realize that the police cannot be the judge in its own case and this matter is beyond him.”
He said Nigerians have long suffered a myriad of brutal assaults by SARS personnel and nothing but an absolute closure would make up for its alleged atrocities.
“Based on all the evidence we have gathered over the years, it’s very clear that SARS cannot be redeemed,” he said.
